Mario Zagallo played for the Brazilian national team as a midfielder where he won two World Cups (1958 and 1962), he also has two other trophies to his credit as coach of the Selecao.
On Friday January 5, 2024, the news of the death of Mario Zagallo was announced by his family on Instagram through a press release “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo. A devoted father, a loving grandfather, an affectionate father-in-law, a loyal friend, a consummate professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements,” reads the family’s press release.
The departure of the football giant was greeted by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) by declaring seven days of national mourning in tribute to the football icon considered a legend for having participated in four out of five successes of Brazil at the level of the world cup.
The former Brazilian coach left following health complications that arose in recent years. He was hospitalized twice, first for a respiratory infection and secondly because of a urinary infection.
Recall that out of five World Cups won by the Seleção Zagallo has lifted four with the team, two as playing and two others as coach of Brazil, he has only been absent in a single victory of Brazil in World Cup dated of 2002 in South Korea and Japan.
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